Pep Guardiola has discounted the notion of moving to Manchester United after his contract with City expires, despite earlier stating that he could see himself managing there someday.
Since joining City from Bayern Munich eight years ago, the Spanish mastermind has won six Premier League crowns, two FA Cups, four League Cups, and a coveted Champions League trophy. He is now in the final year of his contract. Insiders believe Guardiola will leave the Etihad Stadium at the end of the 2024/25 season.
Before joining the Citizens two years ago, Guardiola admitted that he could envision himself at the head of Old Trafford after receiving a phone call from Sir Alex Ferguson to discuss the club. Guardiola’s close friend and writer Marti Perarnau wrote about the manager in his book Pep Confidential: “I adore this environment. I could picture myself coaching here someday.
Pep enjoyed the layout at Sabener Strasse (Bayern’s training complex), despite the fact that it was smaller than Barcelona’s and had less technical facilities. The Catalan was impressed and told [his personal assistant] Manuel Estiarte discreetly, “I like this location.” I could picture myself coaching here someday.
“Pep had said something quite similar a few months ago at Manchester United. The day after defeating Real Madrid in the Champions League semi-finals, Guardiola and Estiarte traveled to Manchester to watch their next opponents play. On May 4, 2011, the duo sat together in the stands at Old Trafford, watching Sir Alex Ferguson’s team defeat Schalke 4-1.
Pep Guardiola has recently dismissed the idea of managing Manchester United after his tenure at Manchester City concludes, even though he once entertained the possibility of such a move. Since taking charge at City from Bayern Munich eight years ago, Guardiola has enjoyed considerable success, securing six Premier League titles, two FA Cups, four League Cups, and a Champions League trophy. As he enters the final year of his contract, there is speculation that he might leave the Etihad Stadium at the end of the 2024/25 season.
Guardiola’s connection to Manchester United dates back to before his City tenure, when he expressed a willingness to manage the club following a conversation with Sir Alex Ferguson. This sentiment was documented by Marti Perarnau in his book *Pep Confidential*, where Guardiola noted his admiration for the environment at Old Trafford during a visit on May 4, 2011, when United played Schalke in the Champions League semi-finals.
Despite his past comments and the historical connection, Guardiola’s recent statements clarify that he does not intend to take the helm at Manchester United, maintaining his focus on his current role and future beyond Manchester City.
